Coronavirus-old

Columbia State Response to the Coronavirus

Advising and registration is open for fall classes. Apply online today!

All summer classes and services are in a virtual format, including online workforce training opportunities. Faculty and staff are available by email and phone. College campuses are not accessible except for approved appointments and labs.

Latest Message:

7/15/20

Plans for Fall 2020 Semester

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar has not changed. It stands as published with classes beginning August 24, 2020, and final exams occurring December 5-11. View the Academic Calendar for Fall 2020.

Fall Class Schedule

The fall course schedule will include several instructional formats: live-streaming Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC), on-ground, hybrid, and online. They are as follows:

Lecture Courses – Live-Streaming Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC/Zoom)

All on-ground lecture courses are being converted to live-streaming DVC using ZOOM. Live-streaming classes are engaged live virtual learning. Students must be available to participate in class during the posted scheduled days and times for lecture and will submit assignments using ‘Online Campus’ or other software specific to the course. Students will be required to have a camera and microphone to participate. Computer labs will be open on every campus for student use by appointment.

Online Courses

A full schedule of online classes (Columbia State and TN eCampus) will be offered as with other semesters. An online class is one in which the student sets their schedule for completing the class (asynchronous) and does not have to log in at a certain time or day. Students are required to meet all published assignment deadlines in order to pass the course.

Labs and Skill-Based Courses

Whenever possible, course labs are being converted to online format. Specific lab and skill-based sections will meet on campus, with everyone wearing a mask, completing a safe health questionnaire, and employing safe distancing with classes meeting in small groups.

• Departments that will have on-campus requirements in small groups in multiple courses such as: ANES, EETC, EMSA, EMSP, ENST, FCT, FIRE, MLAB, NRSG, RADT, RESP, VET
• Courses that will have on-campus requirements in small groups such as: PHED 1210, PHED 2010
• Courses that are Live Streaming - Hybrid Flex such as: ARTP 2620 and 2630 (small groups meet every other class period)
• Courses that are Live-Streaming classes with scheduled skills check-offs in small groups such as: HED 231

Clinical, Internships, Practicums, and Apprenticeships:

Workplace learning courses such as clinical, internships, and practicums will require participation at the clinical or assigned work location to complete course requirements. Completion of these courses will depend on the availability of access to the assigned location.

In the event of closure of access to workplace learning facilities, students may be reassigned to new locations or an incomplete grade assigned in the course until assigned locations reopen to students. Students electing an incomplete may extend program completion timelines. Students participating in clinical must sign a COVID-19 Pandemic Acknowledgement form.

Flex Sessions/Faculty-Student Study Groups

To support students and learning styles small group campus-based flex class sessions, study groups or specialized instruction may be offered. These sessions would be instructor scheduled classroom time that would be consistent with safe protocol and for the purpose of meeting student learning needs.

For more information:
Get Started for Fall 2020
Fall 2020 Resources

6/4/20

Student Campus Access

Summer 2020

Columbia State buildings will remain locked during the Summer 2020 term. Faculty, advisors and student services continue to be offered virtually. Most classes are offered online or Live Streaming and will not have access to campus. A few labs will be meeting in small groups or by individual appointment. Students in these classes will receive times from instructors when to be on campus. 

Computer Lab Access

Students may schedule appointments to use computer labs as described on the Student Resource webpage under Computer Lab Access. Students making an appointment to access a computer lab or attend an on-campus lab must complete a Safe Health questionnaire each day before coming to campus. For computer lab access, the questionnaire should be completed before noon on the day of the visit. On the day of the visit, students with class meetings prior to 1 p.m. should complete the questionnaire by 7:30 a.m. or by noon on the day of the visit for a classes meeting 1 p.m. or later.

Safe Health Questionnaire 

The Safe Health Questionnaire is available to complete online. You should be able to complete from a computer or a smart phone. You will be required to enter your Columbia State PVT username and password to access the form. Watch the Safe Health Questionnaire video to learn how to complete the survey. You will only be allowed to submit the questionnaire once daily. Answer the questions honestly and accurately. Upon completion of the questionnaire, you will receive either an Acceptance message indicating you may come to campus on that day or an Access Denied message. If accepted, make a printout or a picture of the acceptance message on your phone and bring to campus to show faculty/staff before entering a building. If you cannot bring the acceptance message to campus, staff will be able to check your acceptance status or have you complete a new questionnaire on paper. 

Columbia State Requirements

Students must also agree to follow the health guidelines of the CDC and the following Columbia State requirements while on campus:

• Bring a mask and wear it at all times while on campus.
• Practice social distancing at all times while on campus.
• Only enter approved areas. 
• Do not bring guests on campus.
• Do not open doors to allow others to enter the building.
• Do not congregate in common areas with other students or faculty.
• Report any personal illness or potential exposure to COVID-19 to college staff supervising the lab.

Inform your instructor or college staff immediately if your health conditions change while on campus.

Admissions Recruiter Hotline

Columbia State is offering an admissions recruiter hotline through Zoom for individuals with questions about applying to Columbia State and those wanting to learn more about the college’s academic programs. 

“The admissions team at Columbia State understands the uncertainty and challenges facing the community during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Jill Riley, Columbia State chief enrollment services officer and director of admissions. “We are transitioning to virtual experiences to assist prospective students and their families. We are excited to offer a recruiter hotline, which is a virtual space where students can drop in to ask questions about admissions, academic programs and enrollment.”

Recruiters are available Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom to answer your questions.

Click Columbia State Offers Admissions Recruiter Hotline to read full story.

College officials continue to monitor the latest news and recommendations regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in concert with local public health officials. The health and safety of our college community is a priority, and we have a preparedness plan in place for contagious illnesses.

College Offices

• Faculty and staff are available by email and phone. College campuses are not accessible except for approved appointments and labs. 

Campus Tours

• All campus tours are suspended until further notice.

Workforce and Continuing Education Classes

• Some workforce classes are available virtually. Go to Workforce and Continuing Education for more information.

Help prevent the spread of illness by taking steps to protect yourself and others:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others:

• Do not go to school or work if you are sick. Stay home, except to get medical care.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.  

Help prevent the spread of misinformation. Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the coronavirus.

As a reminder, anyone that is experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home and seek medical care as needed.

The CDC is reporting increased concerns of spread in the United States. We encourage you to be aware of the symptoms of the coronavirus, which are similar to the flu and include a fever, cough and shortness of breath.

For more information about the coronavirus, visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19. Information can also be found on the Tennessee Department of Health website at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html.